Apex lgbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged governors from the South-East to float a security outfit in addressing the security challenges facing the region.
Expressing its concern over the surging rate of insecurity in the South East, Ohanaeze suggested that when established, the new security outfit should offer amnesty to Biafra agitators and others to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy National President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
The body said it’s demanding the establishment of the security outfit, based on the initiative of Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to float such a group in the state to curb the rise in violent crime.
Read Also: Ohanaeze opposes creation of 31 new states
“His audacious and committed endeavor in carrying out an operation aptly named ‘Udo-Ga-Achi’ (Let Peace Reign)—demonstrates an admirable commitment to eradicating the criminal syndicates and their insidious collaborators plaguing our communities.
“Governor Soludo’s proactive measures, including the formation of the Anambra State Vigilante Group titled ‘Agunachemba’ (The Lion that Protects Anambra State), supported by a dedicated team of 2, 000 intelligence operatives, serves as a resounding testament to effective leadership.
“It is an exemplar of the indomitable spirit necessary to confront and dismantle the criminal enterprises that have thrived amidst the dismaying backdrop of the Biafra agitation, compounded further by the continued incarceration of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“The alarming alliance formed between these marauders and the local native witchdoctors underscores a dire need for structured collective action.
“The unfortunate commodification of kidnappings and the heinous practice of ritual killings must meet an unwavering response from our governors. At this pivotal juncture, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon the governors of the South East to transcend partisan affiliations and entrenched state security frameworks.
“We urge the formation of a unified front, transcending political boundaries, in order to decisively combat the escalating menace of kidnappings and ritualistic murders threatening our societal fabric.
“The ramifications of inaction are dire; thus, we steadfastly assert that failure to establish an effective mechanism to address these issues within one month will compel Ohanaeze Ndigbo to engage relevant security agencies to restore tranquility to our beleaguered region.
“Furthermore, we wish to emphasize our commitment to holding accountable those governors who neglect their constitutional obligations as chief security officers of their states.
“As a pathway toward reconciliation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores the South East governors to consider extending a period of grace for all Biafra agitators and unknown gunmen to surrender their arms.
“This act of magnanimity could provide a critical juncture for rehabilitation for those who have been misled into violent struggles, under the influence of figures such as Simon Ekpa.
“Our region is home to numerous educated individuals caught in desperation; it is both humane and strategically sound to offer them a chance at redemption through a structured amnesty program.
“We hereby propose a definitive timeline for the South East Amnesty Programme—a clear delineation that allows for the peaceful disarmament of those who have strayed, while simultaneously ensuring that any persistent criminal elements masquerading as Biafra agitators face the full brunt of the law thereafter.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly appeals to all propellants of violence to lay down their arms and embrace the virtue of peace.
“Let this be the twilight of bloodshed and the dawn of collaborative security—a shift towards a homemade security strategy that prioritizes the welfare of our communities and restores our legendary harmony.
“With undeterred resolve, we enjoin all stakeholders, including the entire populace of the South East, to rally behind Ohanaeze Ndigbo in this noble quest to reclaim our region from the clutches of insecurity,” Isiguzoro said.
